PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Eli D. Bontrager, 100, of Providence, R.I., formerly of Newton, Kan., passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024.
Born in Springer, N.M., he was the son of the late D. Y. and Susan Nissley Bontrager. He proudly served his country in the Navy during WWII. For 72 years Eli was the beloved husband of the late Maxine F. (Troyer) Bontrager. He was an auto mechanic and, later, taught auto mechanics at the North Central Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School of Beloit, before his retirement in 1987.
He and Maxine devoted years of volunteer service to McCurdy School in New Mexico. His brothers were Jonas (J. D.), Abe, Dan, Roy, Ira, David, and Glenn Bontrager. His sisters were Ida Yoder, Clara Yoder, Katie Mae Popp, and Emma Lou Saunders. Eli leaves his loving son, Terry, and his husband, Louis A. Verdelotti; beloved grandchildren: Jennifer, Alexa, and Karlton Bontrager; and beloved great-grandchildren: Calder and Branwen Whitten.
A celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to McCurdy Ministries Community Center, 362A S. McCurdy Road, Espanola, N.M. 87532. For further information and condolences, please visit MOUNTPLEASANTFH.COM
